FEATURED ARTIST: JOANNE CHAN

You may have met Joanne in the past if you frequent some of the art fairs in our region. And if you visited Flow during this pandemic time, you probably noticed the darling masks she's been making for our customers. We'll let Joanne tell you more about her background and where she draws inspiration from.

Are you comfortable with that title, Artist?
The term artist has different meanings to different people. I am happy with defining myself as a maker. I make whatever that comes to mind and try not to limit myself with boundaries.

How long have you been practicing your current art form(s)?
I have been drawing, painting and beading on and off since I was a teenager but began sewing and crocheting for just about 7 years. Working with clay is a pretty recent interest of mine, starting around 3 months ago.

Tell us about you and your creative life.
I try to utilize as many repurposed materials as possible and donate what I cannot use. The phrase "one man's trash is another man's treasure" really resonates with me. It's not only that I am recycling while create some of my work, I am thinking outside the box and recognizing purposes and beauty in unexpected places.

What does a typical day of making look like?
I spend 45 min in the morning to map out the course of the day. I work with several materials such as paint, clay, silver, fabric, and beads so it is important for me to use my time wisely. I normally focus on one medium from several days to a couple of weeks and switch to another. While I am working, I always listen to audio books; novels, fictions, non fictions, and self help. The books help me focus and expand my mind. Several days a week, I go to second hand shops and estate sales. I get a lot of ideas of from vintage knick knacks and discarded materials.

Where do you draw your influences or inspirations from?
Vintage knick knacks, faces, nature, thrift shops, travels, textiles especially Japanese Boro Boro textile. I love objects that have grids, age and characters.

What's the best criticism you've ever received?
I once received an advice rather than a criticism that I found very helpful. Each item I make is representation of my craftsmanship. No matter how small the item is, I should always do my best.

Who were the people that helped you the most on your creative path?
My sister Becky, who offered her unconditional support with my career choices and reassured me that everything will be alright. Rocky Kenworthy, my partner in life who volunteered many early mornings to be my roadie when I needed to set up countless festivals near and far. My artist friend Betsy Kendrick who showed me how to think outside the box.

What challenges are you currently facing?
Space and time management. I work at home because I want to keep my overhead low and also limit the energy that takes to commute. My living area is completely saturated with my work and supplies. My hope is that a studio garage will magically appear one day along with an attached greenhouse, where my work and plants will live happily. There never seems to be enough time in the day to do everything I want.

What are you looking forward to?
Life is always changing so I am just going where the wind blows in most part. Lately I have been making absract "crazy quilts" from scraps of fabric. A quilt offers comfort and warmth, it is extra special when it is composed with scraps because it symbolizes that I don't take anything for granted and treasure all the small things in life.

Thanks to Joanne for sharing a small window into her creative life. Be sure to stop by the gallery to see the variety of beautiful things she creates.